Table 3.
Influences on physical activity: key themes and concepts from focus groups
Concept | Themes |
Facilitators | • Child's preference for activity |
• Positive parental, sibling or peer modelling | |
• Access to safe play areas, organised activities and preschool or day care programs | |
• Sense of social connectedness | |
Barriers | • Safety concerns (child and neighbourhood) |
• Time constraints | |
• Financial restraints (lower socioeconomic) | |
• Cultural values towards educational achievement (Middle-Eastern) | |
• Regulations about equipment and sun exposure | |
Parents | The inherent nature of young children is to be active and television is the biggest barrier to children being active. |
Preschool staff | The art of creative, active play needs to be restored in the lives of young children |